Security for your computer

#1

I am trying to learn the ins and outs of keeping my computer and network secure yet running as fast as possible. Do I need a firewall for my network going into my house? And I have free versions of Microsoft Essentials and Malware bytes and I do scans regularly for anything. Otherwise I dont have any antivirus software. Am I doing enough or do I need to do more?

Will appreciate any help here!

Thanks!

#2

I called Microsoft directly and they told me that I was actually duplicating efforts with having Microsoft essentials and Malware bytes both running and that would slow me down. So I have since removed Malwarebytes and kept Essentials. Still not sure on firewall between my network and Internet though.